Costa Rica is a country of stunning natural beauty. Jungles, waterfalls, volcanoes and beautiful beaches are everywhere you look, which makes it the perfect natural playground for an activity holiday where you can explore this magical landscape in unique, exciting ways.

Whether it’s hiking up to volcano craters, rafting along rushing rivers, surfing in the Pacific Ocean, snorkelling off the Caribbean coast, cruising through the canopy on a zipline or trekking through the jungle on the hunt for some of Costa Rica’s magnificent wildlife, there are activities here to suit any lover of the outdoors.

And with expert local guides who will ensure you only not only experience the most exciting activities, but also get you under the skin of the country by meeting the locals and seeing authentic Costa Rican culture, and activity holiday in Costa Rica could well be one of the most memorable adventures you ever have.

Outdoor Adventures in Stunning Locations

Whether you’re after the adrenaline-pumping, the awe-inspiring, or the slow and steady, Costa Rica’s huge natural playground provides endless outdoor activities that help you immerse yourself in nature.

One day you could be hiking to the crater rim of a stunning volcano, with views stretching out over the jungle canopy, the next you could be in that very jungle wild swimming in azure blue lagoons and under waterfalls.

You could kayak through the atmospheric mangrove forests, keeping an eye out for monkey and exotic birds, before later that day hitting the beach and catching a few waves in one of the best surfing destinations on earth.

Essentially, with so much stunning nature about, there’s nothing better than experiencing it by getting hands on with the landscape, by escaping the resorts and the sun-loungers and embarking on an exciting activity with a local guide.

What activities can I do on my holiday in Costa Rica?

As it’s blessed with a huge variety of natural landscapes, in Costa Rica you can find any outdoor activity to suit you on your holiday. On the Caribbean coast, there is world class snorkelling and scuba diving, ideal for beginners thanks to the coral reefs that provide both great homes for wildlife, and shelter for divers.

Switch the the Pacific coast, and you’ll find beautiful, golden sand beaches dotted with surf huts thanks to the magnificent swell that rolls all the way across the ocean. Surfing holidays in Costa Rica are also ideal for getting to know new, like-minded people who have travelled to enjoy the surf and the legendary Costa Rican ‘Pura Vida’.

Staying on the Pacific coast, there are opportunities to take boat rides or kayaks through mangrove forests, an essential inclusion on any wildlife holiday in Costa Rica. Inland there are endless jungle treks and wild swimming opportunities, as well as volcanoes where you can enjoy guided hikes to the very summit.

For those with an adventurous streak, there are white water rafting opportunities all over the country, as well as many places to try your hand at zip lining through the cloud forest canopy – if you have a head for heights.

Why choose Not In The Guidebooks?

We’re passionate about helping people find the most amazing experiences on their travels, through meeting local people, exploring new places, and discovering alternative activities that make holidays special. We do this by carefully selecting partners in countries around the world who are experts in their local area, sourcing interesting people who can guide you through immersive experiences.

We’ve got local partners all across Costa Rica, from the Pacific coast to the Caribbean. Choosing a Not In The Guidebooks holiday in Costa Rica means you don’t have to choose between a beach holiday or an activity-filled break, you can get the best of both worlds with a unique trip.